Bridgeport's Interim School Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery is asking for the community's help securing $57.2 million in state funding.

"This money would cover our $30 million budget deficit and leave us an additional $27.2 million to turn around the district," Avery told News 12 Monday.

"But we need the community's help to get this money," Avery said.

Connecticut Senate Bill 1511, which is currently in committee, would give school districts statewide $550 million from the state's $7 billion surplus, Avery said.

"And it would give Bridgeport Schools $57.2 million, which we desperately need," Avery said.

"But we need every stakeholder - every parent and teacher and concerned citizen - to give testimonials to state and local officials in support of this crucial, pivotal measure," Avery said.

Avery's appeal comes amid a district in crisis, three months after he took over following the departure of Bridgeport's previous superintendent, Dr. Carmela Levy-David.

Laura Miller is a substitute teacher who has two kids in Bridgeport public schools.

"As a product of Bridgeport public schools, I think this funding would be an amazing opportunity for Bridgeport students to finally get ahead," Miller said.

Avery encouraged anybody who wants to help him lobby state lawmakers for the funding to contact him directly at Communications@Bridgeportedu.net.